The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

views updated

The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters ★★★½ 2007 (PG-13)

Documentary follows the intense rivalry of two men battling to be declared the undisputed King of Donkey Kong, and you couldn't ask for two more intriguing characters. Hot-sauce tycoon and idly rich Billy Mitchell is at the top of the arcade champ heap, holding the high score in Donkey Kong for over 25 years until lowly, humble high school teacher Steve Wiebe appears on the scene with an even higher score. A battle on multiple fronts ensues as Mitchell challenges the validity of Weibe's score to respected video game authority Walter Day, but refuses a head-to-head battle with Weibe. Throughout, there's not a moment in which each man sees their dispute as anything but a conflict of epic proportions. Director Gordon skillfully takes us inside a competition few people (even video game enthusiasts) care about and turns it into an exploration of egoism, rivalry, and what it means to be a champion. The movie clearly roots for underdog Weibe, but the obvious slant is half the fun. 79m/C DVD . USD: Seth Gordon; C: Seth Gordon; M: Craig Richey.

More From encyclopedia.com